Top Cold & Flu Articles – Common Cold & Seasonal Flu

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. While colds are similar to the flu, they are caused by different viral agents. Cold viruses typically cause mild symptoms, but they are highly contagious. According to the National Library of Medicine, adults experience an average of two to three colds per year, and children tend to catch colds even more frequently. ⁽¹⁾
There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold. The majority of colds are caused by rhinoviruses, but other types of viruses that cause colds include adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, common human coronaviruses, and human parainfluenza virus. ⁽²⁾

The symptoms of a cold typically appear within one to three days of exposure and include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Mild headaches
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Sinus congestion
• Mild body aches

Cold viruses enter the body through the mouth, nose or eyes. They can be spread via droplets emitted during a cough or sneeze, and viral particles can enter the respiratory tract when someone touches their face after touching a contaminated surface. ⁽³⁾
According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, psychological stress can increase the likelihood of catching a cold. Study participants who reported higher stress levels had increased rates of infection compared to people reporting less stress. ⁽⁴⁾

How Long Does a Cold Last?

A cold typically lasts 7 to 10 days, and most colds resolve on their own without intervention. Individuals with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions such as asthma may experience longer colds and may be more likely to develop complications after a cold. Some specific symptoms that indicate a need for medical intervention after a cold include:

• Cough or respiratory issues lasting longer than 10 days
• Fever lasting more than 4 days
• Cold symptoms that resolve and come back again later
• Difficulty breathing
• Chronic health conditions that get worse during or after a cold

What is the Flu?

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8% of Americans get the flu each year. ⁽⁵⁾
Flu symptoms begin to show up about 2 to 4 days after infection, and some people are contagious before symptoms develop. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include:

• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Fatigue

The flu is not the same thing as the stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis. Stomach flu is caused by different viruses and affects the digestive tract, not the respiratory tract. It causes vomiting and diarrhea. ⁽⁶⁾

Different Types of Flus

There are four types of flu viruses, identified as influenza A, B, C, and D. Only types A and B cause significant illness in people. Influenza A is associated with worldwide pandemics, while influenza B tends to operate more locally. Both cause seasonal epidemics, often referred to as flu season, each year.
Influenza A viruses can be classified into a variety of subtypes based on the specific proteins on the outer surface of the virus. There are over 130 different influenza A subtypes, and influenza viruses can swap genetic material to create new surface protein configurations. ⁽⁷⁾

Influenza B viruses are classified into two different lineages: the Yamagata and the Victoria. They can further be divided into smaller clades based on genetic differences between the viruses.

Flu vaccines are designed to train the immune system to fight variants of the two most common influenza A subtypes and each of the two primary influenza B lineages. Researchers predict the most likely subtypes to circulate in a given year and develop the vaccine for that year to target those subtypes. The flu vaccine protects against the specific subtype it was created for as well as any closely related subtypes.

How to Cope with a Cold or Flu Diagnosis

Rest is the best way to treat a cold or flu infection. Drinking lots of fluids can also help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, including decongestants and antihistamines, can treat symptoms but don’t heal a cold or flu. Specific cold and flu symptoms may be treated individually as well. Some ways to treat cold symptoms include: ⁽⁸⁾

• Gargling with salt water to ease a sore throat
• Using saline sprays to relieve nose congestion
• Alleviating sinus congestion with warm air provided by a humidifier or vaporizer
• Soothing chapping around the lips or nose with petroleum jelly
• Taking pain relievers for a headache

Because colds and flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective for treating them. Antiviral medication may be available to treat flu, but these typically need to be taken early in the illness to have an effect. ⁽⁹⁾
Sometimes, a cold or flu can affect emotions. Many people experience feelings of sadness or anxiety when they are sick. Symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and difficulty concentrating can mimic depression. It’s important to understand that this is normal and likely temporary. Coping with these emotional effects can seem challenging while dealing with an illness, but relief may be found through activities such as deep breathing exercises, gentle movement, and sun exposure. ⁽¹⁰⁾

How to Help Someone with a Cold or Flu

When someone in a household develops a cold or flu, one of the main objectives should be to care for the sick individual without infecting anyone else in the home. Limiting the person with the cold or flu to a single bedroom and bathroom that no one else uses helps keep the remainder of the house free of viral particles that could cause disease.
Providing separate plates, utensils, towels, cups, and other items for that person can help reduce the likelihood of anyone else becoming ill. Keep tissues, face masks, a water pitcher, and a trash can with a lid and liner close to where the sick individual is resting. Since dehydration can be a concern, provide plenty of fresh water. ⁽¹¹⁾